Let's be clear about roof work

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 28, 2007

Whether your roof is a tile, metal, concrete, clay or shingle, you can take care of small problems that result in leaks with a product called Through the Roof, a clear coating.

And clear is good - there's nothing worse than all that black tar on a roof, which really takes away from the house. And it lasts for 10 years. That's big.

More and more roofers are finding out about Through the Roof and using it. If you're having a new roof installed, tell the roofers you don't want black tar around the pipes. Tell them you want Through the Roof, because it lasts a long time and looks great. You might spend a few dollars more, but it will be worth it.

Now to the e-mail…

Q: Johnnie, I read your column on Magic Remover. Can this product be used to remove spray-paint graffiti from my automobile without harming my paint? Someone wrote "Merry Christmas" on the side of my truck. Thanks for the help!

A: It should do the trick. Remember, you must work fast and then hose it down. You never know what kind of paint is on a car, so pick a small, inconspicuous spot and try it out.

Q: Hi, Johnnie, love the column! My son left a ballpoint pen in his pocket that got washed and dried. There's ink all over the dryer and I can't find any way to get it out! Do you have any ideas? Also how do I get your book?

A: If you have some hairspray around the house, use it to remove the ink, and then make sure you rinse and dry the area thoroughly. If hairspray doesn't do the trick, go to your local hardware store and get Painters Pal, and use that to remove the ink. It works every time. Just remember to rinse and dry the area before putting anything else in the dryer.

Q: I have a black wrought iron fence/gate. Some of the paint has started to peel off and rust stains have recently appeared.

What can I do to get rid of the rust? Should I just strip and repaint? If so, what do you recommend to strip the paint? Is there a certain time of the year when it's best to strip/paint the fence/gate? Is it too hot to do now?

A: I wish everyone who is looking to do a job wrote to me first. I could save them money, like I am going to do for you. To fix this fence, knock off the the peeling paint with a wire brush. Then go to your hardware store and look for Rust Cure.

Spray the rusty areas with Rust Cure and then wait one hour. Wipe off the oily residue, and let it cure for seven days. It will turn gun-metal grey and be ready for paint. Now you have a choice - paint or leave it primed. It won't ever rust again.

Q: The windows on my house have a hard water stain buildup from the sprinkler. What's the best way to remove it?

A: The product that does a great job and does it fast is called Delete Germ. Put it on a soft rag, wipe the hard water stain off and then rinse with clear water.

I had a leak in the shower at the lake; I went out a month later and had a stain so bad you couldn't see through the glass.

I got my Delete Germ out and in about five minutes, the whole glass door was clean. In fact, it looked like I had polished it.

Now remember: Delete Germ is a mild acid, so wear gloves and protective eyewear. Don't let Delete Germ sit on the glass for more than a few moments. If you let it sit too long, it will etch the glass, and there's nothing you can do about that.

Q: I would appreciate any advice you can give me regarding yellowing of the vinyl floor in the bathrooms of a house we just bought. It was built in 1999.

I suspect the discoloration came from rugs on the floors, as they are about the size and shape of a rug and located in that area.

A: The toughest cleaner is called T.S.P. You get it at your local hardware store, and some paint stores.

If this will not get the yellow out, there is no hope - except for a new rug.

For help with all of your home and household handyman needs, e-mail Johnnie at happyhandyman@hcnonline.com.